"Spies" infiltrating Dem meetings?

That's the suspicion of some Hillsborough Democrats, after seeing Republican activist Hank Gill show up at a recent Democratic Professionals Council meeting snapping pictures and then last night meeting a fellow named Michael Ciftci at a Young Democrats gathering at April Griffin's Temple Terrace home. Ciftci works for Republican power broker Don Phillips and used to be John McCain's west Florida director during the primary.

"They're sending spies to our meetings,'' laughed Democratic consultant Ana Cruz. "I just think they're scared. They lost so bad they want to see what we're up to."

Ciftci said there was nothing nefarious going on: "I am not currently affiliated, employed, or volunteering for the GOP. My focus is on my private sector work and supporting the brightest leaders in our community, regardless of political party. It is about Tampa Bay, not partisan politics."

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